Must be time for a Snowball update.

Should have definitely named him Ragbag or Dirt Devil! He has a genius for finding sooty places to cover his fur in dirt. He is lousy at climbing trees, but does it anyway and comes down ungracefully with spruce twigs and balsam impossibly entwined in his long fur. There are numerous other cats in the area, and both Tommy and Snowball manage a hostile encounter now and then. The difference is: Tommy usually prevails, and has never been scratched. Snowball leads with his face, judging by the number of dings he gets. I discourage this behaviour by keeping both of them in as soon as it gets dark, but it's hard to avoid completely. Tommy finally quit beating him up - no fun in it anymore.

Snowball has gotten large. I'm five foot six. When Snowball stretches out in my lap and along my legs, he can reach me mid-shin with his paws, not including tail. He's the loudest cat I've ever owned. Tommy hardly emits a meow unless in dire need of outdoors. Snowball has a penetrating, hoarse, nasal meow which he uses to demand food, out, and most frequently, my attention. Sometimes when I'm busy, I encourage the two of them to get out and play. Snowball doesn't always want to go, and he takes the methodology of the sixties protester: flop on your back and go limp.